The unemployment rate rose over the quarter, but remained below the UK average.
The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2% for the period October - December 2007. This represents an increase from the rate of 3.8% recorded last quarter, but it is unchanged from the same period one year ago (4.2%). The latest Northern Ireland rate remains below the UK average (5.2%) and is also considerably lower than the EU27 rate (6.9%) for November 2007.
Seasonally adjusted figures for the same period estimate that there were 781,000 people in employment in Northern Ireland. The new figures represent an estimated increase of 0.1% in employment levels over the quarter and a rise of 1.2% over the year.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 23,800. This shows an increase of 200 from the previous month, but is down 2,300 over the year.
The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland (27.1%) has fallen from a figure of 27.3% recorded for the previous quarter. The Northern Ireland rate (27.1%) continues to be significantly higher than the UK average (21.0%) and is the highest among the UK regions.
Commenting on the figures, Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds said: "Despite a slight rise in unemployment levels this quarter, the Northern Ireland unemployment rate remains well below the European Union average. It is the second lowest among the UK regions.
“The Northern Ireland rate has been maintained below the 5% mark for three years now and this illustrates how our labour market has strengthened in recent years.
“Our aim is to build on this foundation and maximise our potential by encouraging greater labour market participation among the Northern Ireland population.
“Northern Ireland companies should expand and develop innovative products and services, to be able to compete in new markets and create high value-added, quality jobs to sustain employment growth for years to come.”
Notes to Editors:
- General information can be obtained from Martin Monaghan, DETI Statistics Research Branch, on Tel: 028 9052 9421.
- The Labour Force Survey figures quoted are estimates and are subject to sampling error. This means that the exact figure is likely to be contained in a range surrounding the estimate quoted.
- Details of the sampling errors, together with more detailed statistical information and definitions of the methodology used, can be found in the Labour Market Report (LMR), which is available on the DETI website
. - Media enquiries should be directed to the DETI Press Office on telephone 028 9052 9604. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
